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AT THE FARMER’S TABLE: UMBRIA’S INNOVATORS IN FOOD & WINE
The patrons behind cutting-edge producers: from the Bulgari’s winery to the Firth’s farm
SOIL-TO-FORK AT ONE OF THE MOST BIODIVERSE FARMS IN THE WORLD
Venture into the rolling countryside near the border where Tuscany and Umbria meet to explore some of the region’s greatest food and wine. A three-day journey starting in Florence. Delve into an immersive, soil-to-fork experience at Quintosapore, unique farming project run by twin brothers Alessandro and Nicola Giuggioli. Learn what happens when regenerative, organic and biodynamic agriculture meet agroforestry, EM technology and biochar techniques. Soil health and the farm’s collection of heritage seeds from almost-forgotten fruit and vegetable varieties make this one of the most biodiverse farms in the world. Discover the 54 acres of blue clay and limestone vineyards at Podernuovo a Palazzone in the Tuscan hamlet of Palazzone. The winery was bought by the Bulgari family in 2004 and completely replanted to promote the terroir’s biodiversity.
DAY 1: WINE AT THE BULGARI'S
A private transfer from Florence arrives at Città della Pieve, a traditional hilltop town with a medieval centre and far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside near the border where Tuscany and Umbria meet. Visit the Podernuovo a Palazzone wine estate. Bought in 2004 by Paolo and Giovanni Bulgari of the luxury Italian fashion house family, whose grandmother owned a vineyard on the outskirts of Rome, the estate was entirely replanted in 2007 to promote the biodiversity of the terroir. Enjoy a private guided tour of the organically farmed vines and a sommelier-led tasting showcasing red wines made with the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Merlot grapes that grow here. Enjoy a lunch prepared by the winery’s chef featuring seasonal, local produce and Podernuovo a Palazzone’s own olive oil and bread.
Later that afternoon, settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
DAY 2: THE ART OF AGRICONCURA
Continue the journey with an immersive, soil-to-fork experience at Quintosapore, one of the most bio-diverse farms in the world, home to over 1,300 varieties of vegetable. Join a guided farm tour led by Alessandro and Nicola to learn about Quintosapore’s ethos of agriconcura ('farming with care'). A variety of innovative methods have been embraced to develop the land’s biodiversity, from agroforestry to bio-mimic technology. Enjoy an open-air tasting menu prepared by the farm’s chefs using fruit and vegetables picked that day.
Dishes are cooked in the Ofyr outdoor kitchen and on the barbecue and served with Quintosapore’s own organic condiments, olive oil and Malmaturo – an ancient forgotten vineyard. If wished, add truffles sourced on the farmland or a meat course sourced from a local, trusted supplier.
Later that afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
DAY 3: DEPARTURE – OR STAY A LITTLE LONGER
Bid the Italian countryside goodbye and drive to Florence with private chauffeur. Alternatively, if wished, extend the journey to Perugia and further into Umbria, or to Lazio and Rome. The Luminaire can arrange overnight stays at a historic five-star hotel in Perugia, a luxurious farmhouse property on an ancient Umbrian estate near Arezzo, or at a magnificent 15th-century castle in Oliveto.
THE STAY
I Borghi dell’Eremo
Nestled on an ancient landscape at the border of Umbria and Tuscany, this 500-hectare estate offers breathtaking views and a serene escape. The property features a collection of charming hamlets, or ‘borghi’, each meticulously restored to add to the estate's enchanting Italian allure.
FROM £2,350 PER PERSON
For 3 days, based on two people sharing.
INCLUSIONS
2 nights at Borghi dell’Eremo in Umbria, in a Superior Room with breakfast.
Private guided tasting and lunch at Podernuovo a Palazzone, owned by the Bulgari family.
Exclusive guided tour and degustation lunch at Quintosapore farm with direct access to the team behind the farm.
A selection of Quintosapore's finest farm produce to take home with you.
Private chauffeur service throughout, as described.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Summer and autumn fall between May and October.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights.
Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned.
Tips and gratuities.
THE EXPERTS
ALE & NIC GIUGGIOLI
The twin brothers have always shared a dream to farm together. They founded Quintosapore in 2020, and opted for a multidisciplinary approach. Their primary focus is understanding and listening to the soil and the life it supports, from seed to harvest. To accomplish this, the brothers combine regenerative, biodynamic, and organic principles with innovative techniques such as agroforestry, effective microorganisms, and Biochar to help them adapt to the challenges of climate change and fast-track soil regeneration.
LIVIA FIRTH
Livia Firth, MBE is Co-founder of Quintosapore, Creative Director of globally renowned strategic consultancy Eco-Age as well as The Green Carpet Fashion Awards event in Los Angeles. She is founding member of Annie Lennox’s The Circle NGO, a UN Leader of Change and Sustainability and Editor at Large of Vogue Arabia. She is a powerful communicator on progressive change; her keynote addresses include to the World Economic Forum.
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
If you would like to extend your journey, The Luminaire can make arrangements for you to continue exploring Italy or neighbouring European countries.
This itinerary can also be personalised further. If you would like to find out more, please contact our team of Travel Designers.
